This November when you go to the polls, you will be a lawmaker — not just an elector.

As a voter, you do pick a U.S. senator, congressman, governor, lieutenant governor and state representatives and senators. But you also have the chance to vote up or down three new laws that would legalize marijuana, raise the state’s minimum wage, and add a requirement that the Legislature must vote to approve a large mine in the Bristol Bay region after all other permits are granted.

At this point in the sign-up period for the Permanent Fund Dividend, if you haven’t had a reminder about “Pick.Click.Give,” the easy way to share some of your dividend with charitable causes, you must be out of touch.

But here’s one more reason to participate: get your kids involved in giving while they’re young.

Remember what Helen Keller said — true happiness doesn’t come from self-gratification, but by supporting a worthy purpose.

Charitable giving is an American tradition we need to pass on to the next generation.